How to Prepare for an Exam?

In the previous post we can see history can be a great fun. However, every fun can be ruined. By exams, GCSE, for example, in the spring and in the summer. But why do we need them? Well, unfortunately, history is a subject, and we have to prove it how far we got with it, how much we understand it. And while maths, for example, seems to be easier, you “just” have to find the right equation to solve a problem, in history there could be much more space for individual viewpoints and opinions. So, how to prepare for history exams?

If you were a genius or an acclaimed researcher of the topics what the exams are about, there isn’t any problem, you can’t be confused easily. However, most of us aren’t in these categories, so we may have to work hard. The good news, there is help, mainly in the age of internet. See how we can make it easier.

One of the most important steps is to find out as much as possible about the requirements. In case of GCSE the different boards, in case of university the different professors can look for different skills and knowledge. Some may expect more and deeper knowledge of data, others would like to see how you find the connections between events, or how you can analyse sources. Luckily, there are much help: the revision books of the boards, videos on the internet, or you may find papers from the previous years, and see what the examiners were looking for. And, of course, you can ask help from those who have already passed the actual exam.

When you see about how much knowledge you have to go through you can make a timetable. You could have other exams as well, that’s why it could help to plan long before. I can tell you, it could be easier, more useful and less stressful to learn 1 hour every day than 24 hours in one day.

When you have got the materials or you know where to find them, you can make your own aids as well. If you make your own notes or, for example, diagrams, chronologies, you will achieve multiple purposes: the more you go through the materials, the more you could memorize; you can see the events in a way closer to your own logic. I, for example, always like to make chronology about everything what I research or deal with.

Now, you have found the necessary materials, practise every day, do your own notes, chronologies, and still have some help to use. Most probably, you can ask your teacher to help by checking your work, or may have some sessions with a tutor to talk through problematical parts.

At last, when the exam comes, try to have enough rest before. You may think that helps to look through and check this or that in the last minute, but, according to my experience, a good sleep does the work as well. To go in with a fresh mind can be a key to success.

It can happen that you get behind a bit, didn’t use your time well. Then comes the emergency plan, but don’t rush or panic. Try to assess in what you are stronger, and in what you are weaker. Try to have some knowledge about everything, and try to answer questions by using your knowledge what you have. And, there is the gambling part, when you try to find out what topics, questions could come up – when I was a student, it was said, for example, to check anniversaries – and handle them as priorities.

When you do your exam, be sure that you understand the questions properly. It could take more time to go back and rewrite, rephrase an answer, then take your time, and do it properly. Try to have time to look through your answers at least once more, something may come into your mind. Also, always try to show what you know as much as possible, don’t bother with what you are unsure of. Use your time, if you were ready, you could still do one more check. Thoughts coming into your mind after your exam don’t count in your result.

And, after your exam, have rest.

Good luck Everyone!